Potty Training

So what is
the right age and when is the right time to potty train?

So here are
some things I have been told:

“Children
should be potty trained by 2”; “what are you doing, that child should be using
the toilet by now”; “Oh I would never have 2 kids in diapers at once”

So the correct answer is your child will tell
you.  I know that sounds silly.  Let’s start with the basics.  First off your child needs to be able to
communicate with you that he needs to go to the bathroom.  So if your child is not a great talker,
wait!  Secondly your child should have a
desire to go use the potty or not want his diaper changed.    I
remember we started to train our first son and he had 3 accidents in about 2
hours, needless to say we waited a few more months for him to be a bit more
aware of his body.  I think too many
times we are told there is a specific age that a child needs to be potty
trained; you know just like when they should quit breast feeding or be off the
bottle.  Every child is different my
first potty trained before she was 2 while #4 was 4 years old when he was
finally ready.  You must go with your gut
and your knowledge of your child; not what people tell you needs to be done.  Ok, so for the fun part how to do it.  If you go out a potty chair in the car is
great so it is conveniently located. 
Pull ups;  I used these over the choners
when we went places so messes were minimal when they did happen, but also my
child could still feel the wetness from not using the toilet.  I trained my kiddos on mini chocolates or
M&M’s; 1 for each pee 2 for poop.  I
always packed some chocolates in the diaper bag for when we weren’t at home.  Remember to not get mad when there is an
accident they are learning When an accident occurs, take the child and have
them sit on the potty because they may have to go some more.  Then help wipe up or bathe your child and get
fresh clothes on and reassure them they can do it.  I suggest packing a bag for when you are not
at home.  3sets which include: choners,
pants, socks, shoes if you have an extra pair. 
If you are going to teach you boy he can stand up while peeing; cheerios
are a great tool for aiming.  We have our
boys sit down when we are at home, friends or relatives house.  They can stand up when they use public
restrooms.  Good luck and enjoy the
adventure, some of the best stories come from potty training days! 

Showing affection in front of our kids

So as I stood in my kitchen getting and giving hugs and kisses to my hubby; I glanced over to see the kids look up and then look away with no reaction.  That got me thinking of how normal this behavior is with us.  We are always showing affection to each other especially in front of our kids.  We hug, kiss, and even dance in the kitchen.  As parents we are great at physical touch with our kids, but I think we sometimes forget to give our spouse the same touch in front of our kids.  When kids grow up seeing this; it will be easy and natural for them with their future spouses. If you are not use to this; I challenge you to start today by greeting your hubby at the door and giving him a huge hug and long kiss before the kids get to him!